Troubleshooting
Burser's Saxifrage problems — and how to fix them
Burser's Saxifrage (Saxifraga burseriana) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot
The most serious threat. Caused by moisture sitting in the tight cushion, especially with overhead watering or winter rain. Grow under an alpine house or lean-to glass in wet winters; use a grit topdressing around the collar.
Vine weevil
Grubs destroy roots undetected until the cushion collapses. Inspect roots at repotting; apply biological nematode control (Steinernema kraussei) in spring and autumn when soil temperature is above 5 °C.
Aphid infestation
Greenfly congregate around new growth and flower buds in spring. Remove by hand or treat with a dilute insecticidal soap spray, being careful to avoid saturating the cushion.
Prevent burser's saxifrage problems before they start
Most burser's saxifrage issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Burser's Saxifrage problems — FAQ
Why is my burser's saxifrage crown rot?
The most serious threat. Caused by moisture sitting in the tight cushion, especially with overhead watering or winter rain. Grow under an alpine house or lean-to glass in wet winters; use a grit topdressing around the collar.
Why is my burser's saxifrage vine weevil?
Grubs destroy roots undetected until the cushion collapses. Inspect roots at repotting; apply biological nematode control (Steinernema kraussei) in spring and autumn when soil temperature is above 5 °C.
Why is my burser's saxifrage aphid infestation?
Greenfly congregate around new growth and flower buds in spring. Remove by hand or treat with a dilute insecticidal soap spray, being careful to avoid saturating the cushion.